From Padma Shri to courtrooms: Folk artist Mogilaiah's struggle for allotted land

Padma Shri awardee and Kinnera artist Darshanam Mogilaiah has alleged that a 600-square-yard plot allotted to him by the government is stuck in a legal dispute. The artist says he has spent nearly Rs 9 lakh on legal fees and is seeking official intervention to secure possession.

In Short

• He raised the issue at various levels and sought immediate official intervention
• The Kuntloor land was allotted earlier, but possession remains legally blocked
• He says two years of office visits and court rounds failed

Padma Shri awardee and renowned Kinnera artist Darshanam Mogilaiah has alleged that a 600-square-yard residential plot allotted to him by the government as recognition for his contribution to art and culture has remained inaccessible because it is embroiled in a court dispute.

The veteran folk artist approached District Collector C. Narayana Reddy during the Prajavani grievance programme and sought immediate intervention to resolve the issue.

According to Mogilaiah, the plot located in Kuntloor village of Abdullapurmet mandal was allotted during the previous BRS government's tenure. He said the Government Order was later handed over to him by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, giving him hope that he would finally secure a permanent asset for his family.

However, he claims that the land is currently under litigation, preventing him from obtaining a clear patta or taking possession of the property.

"I was given land as recognition, but I have spent the last two years running around government offices and courts instead of enjoying the benefit," Mogilaiah reportedly told officials.

The Padma Shri recipient said he has borrowed nearly Rs 9 lakh to meet legal expenses and lawyer fees in his attempt to secure the plot. He added that he hopes to settle the issue soon and distribute the property among his four children.

Mogilaiah said repeated visits to the offices of the Ibrahimpatnam RDO and Abdullapurmet revenue authorities have yielded no result. He also expressed disappointment that despite multiple changes in district administration over the past two years, his grievance remains unresolved.

The artist further alleged that officials have not treated his complaint with the seriousness it deserves and claimed that he has faced neglect despite being a national award recipient.

Recently, Mogilaiah met BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao, who reportedly assured him that he would take up the matter with the district collector.

Mogilaiah has now warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, he will personally approach Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and seek justice.

- Ends